AV & Gesneriad resources thread

In addition to this forum, DG provides you with many ways to learn more about African Violets and Gesneriads, plus find sources, and share what you know with others. This thread is intended to help you explore those features and provide a permanent reference tool with helpful links and shortcuts.

Getting the most from PlantFiles

PlantFiles has over 1,000 African Violet entries and tons of information - here are some tips to track down what you're looking for:

1) The cultivar-finder for AV's lets you browse all cultivars alphabetically: http://davesgarden.com/pf/finder/index.php?sname=African+Violets&submit=submit

2) The Advanced Search lets you find AV's that meet your specifications (flower color, height, etc.)
http://davesgarden.com/pf/advanced.php?sname=African%20Violets (Note: You can - and should - skip past any detail sections that you don't care about.)

3) Here are some general search and browse tips that may be helpful: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/608659/


If we've missed an AV, here's a link to add a new entry: http://davesgarden.com/pf/add.php

Within any entry (one you added, or existing entries), you can add your own comment, photo and/or ZIP code report if it grows well in your garden! The screen shot below shows you where to look for the ZIP code field and the links to add an image or comment.

Finding a particular variety

The Garden Watchdog has a section devoted to African Violet plant sources: http://davesgarden.com/gwd/advanced.php?category=71&submit=Go and one for African Violet supplies: http://davesgarden.com/gwd/advanced.php?category=146&submit=Go

As you can see, using the pull-down list is the best way to find a category (see screenshot below to see how it works.)

P.S. When you've ordered from a company listed in the Watchdog, be sure to leave feedback - what you know helps others!

Using the Garden Bookworm

If you want to read up on AV's, here are several books on the subject: http://davesgarden.com/gbw/advanced.php?category=93&submit=Search

When you've selected a book from the list, you can clicking on the picture of the cover to access Amazon.com where you can purchase it or read more reviews and information.

Hint: If you've read a book listed in the bookworm, we invite you to review it for the benefit of your fellow gardeners. Good books are a good investment, but bad books are a waste of money we could have spent on more plants, seeds, or mulch!

Member's Favorite Threads


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Do you have a favorite DG thread regarding a particular African Violet or Gesneriad topic? Please send us a link here: http://davesgarden.com/helpdesk/forums/ so we can consider adding it to this list!

Please feel free to tell us your thoughts about this thread, or give us input on threads that should be included in the "Members Favorite Threads" area: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/700022/